Public Fridays Begin
Date: Every Friday beginning Sept. 4, 2026
Time: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
For the first time in its history, the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center will open to the public every Friday year-round. Visitors can explore self-guided trails, meet more than 40 ambassador animals and enjoy hands-on activities.
Admission is $15 for ages 13 and older and $10 for ages 4–12. Children 3 and younger are admitted free. Reservations are not required. Visit eowilsoncenter.org.
History Sandwiched-In
Date: Friday, Sept. 11, 2026
Time: Noon
Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave. | Valparaiso
Dr. Marie Hallion will provide a brief overview of the Sept. 11 attacks and their impact on those who experienced them in New York City and Washington, D.C.
For information, call 850-678-2615 or email assistant@heritage-museum.org or manager@heritage-museum.org.
Emerging Choreographers’ Project Blackbox
Date: Friday–Saturday, Sept. 11–12, 2026
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Northwest Florida Ballet Studios | Fort Walton Beach
Northwest Florida Ballet opens its 2026–27 season with this intimate, dancer-led production featuring original ballet and contemporary works choreographed by selected company members. A visual art exhibition by NFB Académie students will accompany the performances.
Individual tickets are $30. Subscribers may purchase tickets for $26 each with a season subscription. Tickets and details.
From 9/11 to Today: Strength in Every Long Walk
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026
Time: Memorial workout at 8 a.m.; dinner and panel discussion at 4:30 p.m.
Location: EOD Training Squadron | Eglin Air Force Base; The Island Resort, Maui Ballroom | Fort Walton Beach
The EOD Warrior Foundation will commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a day honoring the legacy of the 137 EOD Warriors who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Global War on Terror.
“One Last Sweat for the EOD 137,” a memorial workout honoring the community’s strength, resilience and sacrifice, begins at 8 a.m. The evening dinner and panel discussion will feature stories and reflections on the lasting impact of Sept. 11.
Registration is required. Reserve your spot.
Emerald Coast Community Singers: Celebration of American Music
Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Time: 3 p.m.
Location: Christ the King Episcopal Church, 480 N. County Highway 393 | Santa Rosa Beach
Celebrate America’s musical heritage while commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 and the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The concert will feature works by Samuel Barber, Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland, William Dawson and Duke Ellington, along with traditional American and patriotic songs. Audience participation is encouraged.
Admission is free. Visit christthekingfl.org.
Aces for Autism
Date: Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026
Time: Noon
Location: Shoreline Church | Destin
Play for a purpose during the second annual No Sweat Poker Tournament—Aces for Autism. The afternoon features Texas Hold’em, food, prizes, drawings and a bourbon-and-tequila liquor pull, all benefiting Advanced Sacred Hope Academy and the neurodivergent students it serves.
Organizers are also seeking prize and bottle donations. To play, donate or become involved, call or text AJ at 850-333-1625 or email marketing@millshvac.com. Registration.
Battle for the Buckle
Date: Wednesday–Sunday, Sept. 23–26, 2026
Time: Tournament schedule varies
Location: Harbor Docks | Destin
The second annual Westonwood Ranch Battle for the Buckle brings together anglers, business leaders and community supporters for competitive fishing, camaraderie and giving back.
Tournament highlights include a $10,000 winner-take-all White Marlin prize and $2,000 prizes for Catch and Release, Heaviest Tuna, Heaviest Wahoo, Heaviest Dolphin and the Junior Angler Youth Division. A $1,500 Daily White Marlin Jackpot is also available.
Daily and Overall Calcutta registration takes place Sept. 23, with 10% benefiting Westonwood Ranch. The boat entry fee is $1,000. Boats should register by Sept. 23; tournament T-shirt sizes may not be guaranteed for entries received after Sept. 1.
Proceeds support Westonwood Ranch and its mission to empower teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through life-skills education, workforce development and meaningful employment opportunities.
Register at westonwood.org. For information, contact tournament director Joe Donovan at 850-572-3695.
14th Annual Fore Her Golf Outing
Date: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026
Time: Check-in at 8 a.m.; tee time at 9 a.m.
Location: The Links Golf Club at Sandestin | Miramar Beach
Golfers of every skill level are invited to think pink and hit the links for a great local cause. Presented by Emerald Coast Hospice Care, the outing includes a Bloody Mary bar, breakfast, 18 holes of golf, the popular “Dress Like a Lady Hole,” food at the turn and an after-party with lunch, music, prizes, giveaways and raffles.
Funds raised help Fore Her offset living expenses for local breast cancer patients undergoing treatment along the Emerald Coast.
Early BIRDIE registration is available through Sept. 1 for $175 per golfer or $700 per team of four. After Sept. 1, registration increases to $200 per golfer or $800 per team. Register at foreher.org/golfouting. For sponsorship or volunteer information, email Amy Walsh at amy@foreher.org.
4th Annual 5K Mullet Run/Walk
Date: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
Time: Packet pickup at 2 p.m.; race from 4–6 p.m.
Location: The Deck at Destin Brewery, 110 Melvin St. | Destin
Grab your friends, lace up your running shoes and break out your best mullet-inspired attire for the Destin History & Fishing Museum’s family-friendly 5K. The race begins and ends at The Deck at Destin Brewery, where participants can enjoy beer and snacks followed by an after-party.
Prizes will be awarded for the best costume and best mullet, and the popular Mullet Toss returns. Open to ages 8 and older, the event will be held rain or shine. Proceeds benefit the museum. Event details and registration.
Cars of 30A Grand Tour
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 1–4 p.m.
Location: Alys Beach
Cars of 30A presents a highly curated collection of rare and high-performance automobiles along the streets of Alys Beach and around Lake Marilyn. Specialty displays, live music, art activations, food trucks and beverages will be featured throughout the all-ages event.
The afternoon concludes at Central Park with lounge seating, live music, food and games on the big screen. Tickets are $60 for adults and $20 for children. Tickets and details.
Nightime Neighbors
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 4–8 p.m.
Location: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
Explore the nocturnal side of the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. Hike to the bat house to watch the evening bat flight just after sunset, learn about nocturnal wildlife and enjoy activity stations along the trail.
Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for children. A $5 Camp Longleaf add-on includes s’mores, cocoa, coffee and a bounce house. Bring a flashlight. Proceeds benefit the nonprofit E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center.
Night at the Museum
Date: Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026
Time: 6–8 p.m.
Location: Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida, 115 Westview Ave. | Valparaiso
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida brings America’s 250th anniversary to life with costumed portrayals of historical figures. The evening also includes drinks, appetizers, photo opportunities and a silent auction.
Admission is $60 per person and $50 for museum members. For information, call 850-678-2615 or email assistant@heritage-museum.org or manager@heritage-museum.org.
Cabaret at Seagar’s: An Evening With New York Voices
Date: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Seagar’s Prime Steaks & Seafood | Miramar Beach
Sinfonia Gulf Coast presents an intimate evening with Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble New York Voices as part of the group’s farewell tour, “The Four and Only.” Peter Eldridge, Kim Nazarian, Darmon Meader and Lauren Kinhan will celebrate 40 years of vocal jazz with inventive arrangements and seamless harmonies spanning jazz, pop and Brazilian influences.
Tickets are $375 per person and include valet parking, a sparkling-wine reception, a multicourse dinner with wine, gratuity and the performance. Proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s music education and community engagement programs throughout Northwest Florida.
11th Annual Bloody Mary Festival
Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Location: The Market Shops | Miramar Beach
Guests ages 21 and older can enjoy unlimited tastes of creative Bloody Marys prepared by area restaurants, bars and caterers, along with local food samples, live music, champagne, craft beer, seltzers, a cigar bar, SEC football, a photo booth and shopping.
Attendees can vote for the People’s Choice Award, while local celebrities and food critics select the overall and Best Accoutrement winners. Proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity–Walton County and its work to provide stable, affordable housing for local families.
Purchase tickets at themarketshops.com/bloody-mary-festival.
53rd Annual Jerry Pate Boy Scouts Tournament
Date: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
Time: To be announced
Location: Pensacola Country Club | Pensacola
Tee it up for local Scouting programs during one of the Gulf Coast’s longest-running charity golf tournaments. Honoring Pensacola native, 1976 U.S. Open champion and eight-time PGA Tour winner Jerry Pate, the four-person scramble includes lunch, on-course contests, player gifts and an awards reception with food, beverages and a silent auction.
Registration is $1,000 per team or $300 per individual. Sponsorships range from $100 to $15,000. Proceeds help provide outdoor adventures, leadership development, STEM education and other programs for Scouts across Northwest Florida and South Alabama.
For information, email ronald.denson@scouting.org.
Eggs on the Beach Cooking Competition
Date: Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026
Time: To be announced
Location: Seascape Resort | Miramar Beach
Bay Breeze Patio will host the 12th annual Eggs on the Beach Big Green Egg Cooking Competition. Nonprofit teams will compete for cash donations determined by taster votes, with every participating nonprofit receiving a donation. A limited number of nonprofit team spots remain, and registration fees are waived.
Backyard and restaurant teams may register for $50, with up to six cooks per team. Advance taster tickets are $60 for adults and $21 for ages 11–17. Children 10 and younger attend free. Discounted demo Big Green Eggs will also be available.
Visit EggsontheBeach.com or call 850-269-4666.
America250! Veterans Day Celebration
Date: Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center | Fort Walton Beach
Honor the service and sacrifice of America’s veterans during a special America250! celebration recognizing the nation’s 250-year history.
The morning will feature a guest speaker, a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Women Veterans Park expansion and the dedication of four new statues and several benches contributed by community organizations.
Fall Sporting Clay Classic
Date: Friday, Nov. 13, 2026
Time: Registration at 8 a.m.; safety briefing at 9 a.m.; shooting at 9:30 a.m.; lunch and awards at noon
Location: Element Training Complex | Holt
Shooters of all experience levels are invited to compete while supporting Gulf Coast Council Scouting programs. Early-bird rates, available through Oct. 12, are $450 per team and $125 per individual. Regular registration is $500 per team and $150 per individual. Participants must provide their own firearms and ammunition.
Sponsorships begin at $100, and a $700 Youth Team Sponsorship funds participation for a team of Scouts. Sponsorship agreements must be received by Oct. 31 to be included in event marketing materials. For info: ronald.denson@scouting.org.
Alaqua’s Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Alaqua Animal Refuge, 155 Dugas Way | Freeport
Music, fall fun and Alaqua’s lifesaving mission come together during this family-friendly celebration presented by Café Thirty-A.
Angel’s Arena will feature more than six hours of live bluegrass headlined by Grammy-nominated Grand Ole Opry favorite Sister Sadie, along with Firetown Bluegrass and Black Creek Strings Band. The back acreage will offer jam sessions, vendors, food trucks, a full bar, fall crafts, games, photo opportunities and encounters with rescued animals. General admission and VIP options are available.
Proceeds support Alaqua’s mission to provide shelter, safety and second chances to animals in need. For sponsorship information, email ssalatich@alaqua.org.
Tacos & Tequila Under the Trees
Date: Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026
Time: Noon–4 p.m.
Location: E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center | Freeport
Enjoy a taco bar, tequila tasting along a trail scavenger hunt, live music and margaritas under the pines during this fundraiser benefiting the E.O. Wilson Biophilia Center. The event is open to guests ages 21 and older.
General admission is $70, and nonalcoholic admission is $40. Learn more and purchase tickets at eowilsoncenter.org.
